Community Spotlight: JFSM's Dr. Joshua Green to Represent Jewish Federation on National Level

Jewish Federations of North America tap area resident for prominent leadership role

BRADENTON – The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee (JFSM) announces that Dr. Joshua Green was selected as the 2014-2015 co-chair designate of Jewish Federations of North America’s (JFNA) National Young Leadership Cabinet (NYLC). Green will begin his two-year term in June with co-chair Beth Kaplan Liss of Kansas City. As co-chairs, they will represent Jewish Federation young leadership across North America, which includes 154 Jewish Federations in the U.S. and Canada.

“We’re thrilled to see Josh take on such a profound responsibility,” says Howard Tevlowitz, executive director of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. “The Young Leadership Cabinet is exactly what the name implies—young men and women who stand as national leaders in the Jewish community. Josh is exactly the right person to take on this role. He’s articulate, passionate, and intelligent. It takes the next generation to reach the next generation. It takes leaders like Josh.”

Green, 43, a urologist with Urology Treatment Centers in Sarasota, says he’s deeply honored to accept the role. “But I want to stress this is not about me—it’s about the future of Israel and the Jewish people. Securing that future isn’t my idea. It’s a trust handed down from generation to generation. I stand on the shoulders of those who came before. I work for the people who will come after.”

According to Tevlowitz, Green’s good-hearted nature and unwavering commitment set him apart. “Few are called to be National Young Leadership co-chairs,” he says. “The selection process is rigorous.” And well it should be. According to the organization’s website, the role “signifies the continuity of excellence in leadership and the awesome responsibilities that go with it.”

The National Young Leadership Cabinet is a local, national and international network of socially conscious Jews in their 20s, 30s and early 40s. Programs offer a wide variety of opportunities for next-generation Jews to find meaningful ways to get involved in the Jewish Federation. These activities include helping people in local Jewish communities, ensuring the safety of Jews overseas, being an advocate for social services, and working to strengthen Jewish life in Israel.

The work of a co-chair brings all these responsibilities together. During their first year, the chairs designates will focus on the NYLC campaign and participate alongside the chairs to gain experience in the leadership team. In their second year, they will help shape the vision of NYLC and help execute its mission.

Green’s involvement with JFSM began in 2008 when he went on a mission to Israel and got a first-hand look at the work JFSM does there, including building schools, hospitals and eldercare facilities. When he returned to Sarasota, he was hooked. “Philanthropy has always been an important part of my family’s life—but seeing what my giving actually accomplishes was eye-opening. It was a game-changing experience,” he says.

Green’s passion kept growing—and people noticed. In 2009, he was asked to join the JFSM board. His area of expertise was finding ways to inspire younger Jewish people to become more involved with the organization, and to give to Jewish causes—here and abroad. To achieve that goal, Green helped to develop JFSM’s Young Adult Division, which now provides creative outreach initiatives and social opportunities for young Jews in the Sarasota-Manatee region. He says that Jewish people, especially younger ones, often forget that there are still Jewish people around the world and in our own community who need help.

“People can make a tremendous impact with their time, treasure and talent,” says Green. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to find dynamic, meaningful ways to raises awareness about the valuable services that Jewish Federations provide around the world. Together, we can work to inspire younger Jewish people to advocate for those in need locally and globally.”

Green lives in Sarasota with his wife, Julie, who is also a member of NYLC, and their three children.

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to save Jewish lives and enhance Jewish life in the Sarasota-Manatee region, in Israel, and throughout the world. In addition, the Federation is responsive when worldwide catastrophes occur. For more information about The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, call 941-371-4546 or visit www.jfedsrq.org.

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